Shaky Start for New Quake Alert System in Japan

After late or missed warnings, operators are struggling to figure out why a recently launched earthquake early-alert system in Japan isn't working as planned.

The system, run by the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), is designed to give people in the quake-prone country up to two minutes' warning of approaching shock waves.

"If the system works properly, then it will contribute significantly to reducing the impact of disasters," said Masahiko Murata, deputy director of the projects department at the Disaster Reduction and Human Renovation Institution in Kobe.

Connect With Us:

Extreme events, such as super floods and hurricanes, are becoming more common, so civil engineers are trying to adapt civil infrastructure such as bridges to these unpredictable and sometimes devastating meteorological events. Engineer Ana Barros discusses how engineering can prepare us for extreme weather events, but also how changing climate and population conditions can affect the ability of infrastructure to hold up over time.